PopCares Chix Dinner Fundraiser Returns

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Around 600 people had been attending the annual PopCares dinner and auction. The pandemic forced a shift to takeout but the in-person dinner is back this year.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The popular PopCares chicken dinner will be held in person this year for the first time since 2019. Tickets are now on sale for the dinner scheduled Saturday, Oct. 5, at GreylockWorks. 
 
The annual dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit, which supports local people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 2012, PopCares has distributed more than $1,000,000 to cancer patients and caregivers in Northern Berkshire County and Southern Vermont towns.
 
"This annual event is not only an important fundraising event for our organization, but it is an important time to gather as a community and celebrate those amongst us who are working hard in the fight against cancer," said organizers in a statement. "We have all been touched by cancer in some way and many have struggled with the day-to-day reality of the disease. We can offer support to those who are battling cancer so that no one has to fight this disease alone."
 
This year's dinner will again be catered by the Bounti-fare with a cash bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a chance auction, silent auction, live auction, and the coveted "dessert dash" auction. The dessert auction has included some seriously spirited bidding with whoopie pies and other confections selling for hundreds of dollars. 
 
PopCares Inc. was established by the St. Pierre family to honor the memory of Bill "Pop" St. Pierre, who taught them the importance of sharing small acts of kindness with others on a daily basis. The St. Pierre's said they were fortunate to have the support of each other as well as friends during Pop's battle with cancer. It is the mission of PopCares Inc. to ensure that every person fighting cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, in the local community has the opportunity to benefit from that same level of support.  
 
This past February, PopCares reached that significant milestone of $1,000,000 to support local families. Donations from the region, stay in the region. 
 
"While we wish the need for an organization such as ours did not exist, PopCares remains steadfast in its mission, and we are committed to continuing this journey with the incredible community that has been the backbone of our success," said the nonprofit.
 
Tickets to the dinner can be purchased here
 
PopCares Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and is completely volunteer run. All donations and fundraising proceeds go directly to community members in need.

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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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